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Chapter 343: The Sly Numel
🕑 Added 2025-11-26 11:29:33 +0000 UTCChapter 343: The Sly Numel
In the magma pool, the clan led by Magmortar was located in the center, where the temperature was highest and the Fire-type energy was most concentrated—the core of the entire pool.
As for the Camerupt and Numel, they were gathered at the edge of the pool, desperately absorbing the pure energy to increase their strength.
On the banks of the magma pool were many other Pokémon, such as Flareon, Rapidash, and Torkoal. Limited by their strength and natural talents, they couldn't enter the magma. The temperature of the magma was over a thousand degrees Celsius. At that heat, even Fire-type Pokémon could be burned unless they possessed a special ability.
Before, while Magmortar had its spot, the other Pokémon at least got to "drink the soup" and absorb energy. But now that a Magmortar had evolved within the Magmar clan, its strength had skyrocketed. The Magmar clan naturally wouldn't tolerate other Pokémon sleeping next to their new power source. They wanted to dominate the entire pool.
The other Pokémon, especially the Camerupt clan, refused to give up their hard-earned training spot. And so, a battle erupted.
"Gro-mortar!"
With a harsh cry, Magmortar, in the center of the pool, stirred the magma with its arms, sending scorching waves of fire splashing outwards, engulfing all the Pokémon in the pool.
Behind it, the Magmar and Magby were pushing the attack. Although it was all magma, the temperature in the center of the pool was far higher than at the edges.
The evolved Camerupt could endure this temperature, but the weaker Numel cried out in agony, scrambling desperately toward the shore to avoid being burned. Unfortunately, they were too slow. Several Numel, whose Fire-type affinity was too low, fell into the "Burn" status, their faces turning an unhealthy red.
However, one Numel, facing the scorching heat, looked not panicked but pleased, its eyes half-closed in enjoyment.
All the other Numel had fled, but this one remained in the pool. Basalt and Ember couldn't help but notice it.
"Look at that Numel..." Ember and Basalt exchanged a look, seeing the same shock in each other's eyes. This Numel had an exceptionally high affinity for fire!
"Doooom!"
The Camerupt, enraged by Magmortar's attack, roared. A series of fireballs mixed with scorching magma shot out from the humps on their backs, hurtling towards the Magmar clan.
Fire-type move: Eruption!
This was the Camerupt's signature move. The more health they had, the greater the move's power, and it had no side effects. Unfortunately, the Magmar were sly. Before the fireballs could land, they quickly submerged into the magma pool. The Camerupt's attacks completely missed, falling into the pool and being absorbed by the surrounding magma.
Magmortar, of course, was unfazed by the Fire-type attack.
"Gro-mortar!"
Before long, the Magmar resurfaced, their faces full of mockery. Although both clans could enter the magma, the Magmar clan had a natural advantage in speed and maneuverability. They could swim quickly, while the Camerupt could only move slowly.
Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!
Seeing their attacks fail, the Camerupt then used Rock Tomb. Rock-type moves were super-effective against the Magmar clan.
Seeing this, the Magmar retracted their heads into the magma again. The rocks struck the magma pool, sending up countless sparks, but failing to land a hit.
Magmortar, however, used the opportunity to close the distance underwater. It suddenly surfaced, its right arm's cannon blazing with a powerful light, and slammed its fist straight into the head of the Camerupt leader.
BOOM!
The leader's legs gave out, and its entire body was submerged in the magma.
Fighting-type move: Dynamic Punch!
At the same time, several strong Magmar joined the sneak attack, overwhelming the remaining Camerupt. The Magmar clan had seized the advantage.
Seeing the situation reverse, the cunning Numel that had been enjoying the heat finally panicked and took off running.
Clearly, this Numel was not stupid at all! On the contrary, it was incredibly sly. Seeing the battle turning against its side, it fled without hesitation.
Unfortunately, its speed was too slow. It was quickly singled out by a Magby, which cut it off and blocked its path. Numel immediately backed away.
"This is..." Basalt frowned, disappointed. "Didn't they say a Numel that would come here was strong and warlike? Why did this one turn out to be a coward?"
This Numel had a high Fire-type affinity, well-developed vents on its back, and a sharp, non-dull mind. It had three excellent qualities. Yet, this Pokémon was such a chicken? This was just a Magby, not a Magmar. Why was it so scared? Basalt was furious.
But soon, Basalt realized he had misjudged the camel.
Seeing the Numel turn and run, the Magby grew excited, chasing after it in a swimming motion.
But just as the Magby got close, the "fleeing" Numel suddenly turned its head and shot a cloud of white mist into the Magby's face. The Magby's eyes grew heavy, and it drifted off to sleep.
Normal-type move: Yawn!
"Huh?" Basalt was stunned. This Numel had actually used its "retreat" as a ruse, striking when the enemy was complacent! A strategic genius!
Unfortunately, one crisis gave way to another. Although the sly Numel had dealt with the Magby, it was immediately spotted by Magmortar.
Magmortar, furious, dragged its massive body forward, its face hostile. The sight made Numel freeze in terror, its legs turning to jelly.
"Boom! Boom! Boom!"
The Camerupt that had made it ashore cried out in dismay, but it was too late. Magmortar ignored them; the defeated Camerupt were no longer a threat. Magmortar was only focused on the sly Numel.
Facing the quickly approaching Magmortar, the Numel tried to use Yawn again, but the Magmortar was too close. The gas was instantly nullified by the heat of its cannons.
The Numel was backed into a corner. It was trapped.
Though cornered, the Numel did not give up. It sprayed thick, black smoke at Magmortar. But the Magmortar's strength was too great; the smoke's high temperature couldn't harm it.
"Gro-mortar!" Magmortar sneered and raised its right arm cannon, aiming it at Numel's head. The cannon began to gather terrifying Fire-type energy. A terrifying explosion was imminent.
Ember quickly looked at Basalt and shouted, "Senior! It's your turn to act! Now is the perfect time!"
"Bronzong, Psychic!" Basalt understood. He quickly leaped from Bronzong's back to Pupitar's. As for Bronzong, its mental power surged, and a stream of multicolored light shot out.
Magmortar had been completely focused on the fight below and hadn't noticed the visitors in the sky. It was hit instantly.
BOOM!
A fierce explosion erupted in the magma pool. Scorching hot lava splashed out, forcing the Pokémon on the banks to scatter.
"Dooom!"
But the Magmortar, though injured, wasn't defeated. It turned its enraged gaze toward Bronzong, raising both its arms. Fire surged, forming into two blazing, stylized kanji for "Great" (大).
Blast Burn!
At the same time, the other Magmar, seeing their leader injured, also unleashed Flamethrowers. The entire sky turned fiery red, like a volcano erupting.
"Meteor Crash!" Basalt roared, not backing down.
Pupitar summoned countless massive, sharp rock projectiles, while Bronzong activated the Gravity field. The rocks, accelerated by the gravity, plummeted.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The Blast Burns and Flamethrowers were instantly pierced by the stone projectiles, which continued their descent into the magma pool, striking the Magmortar and its clan. The Magmortar had been certain of its victory and hadn't expected an attack from above. They didn't even attempt to dodge. Most of the Magmortar clan was instantly defeated.
The targeted Magmortar, which had been hit with super-effective damage, floated on the surface of the magma pool, its eyes spinning.
But next to it, the cunning Numel was also floating.
Basalt looked confused. "Hey! You missed! That was supposed to be the enemy, not your future little brother!" Larvitar had clearly hit the Numel by mistake.
"Pu-pi!" Pupitar averted its eyes. It wasn't its fault!
